OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Hearing on NWSL Expansion Proposal - April 6, 2026

City Council — Monday, April 6, 2026
BodyColumbus, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, April 6, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:03:02

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Thank you all for joining us.

0:02

I will call this uh hearing to order.

0:05

Um today's hearing on the proposed investment related to the expansion of the National Women's Soccer League.

0:12

Uh Columbus is currently in the running uh to receive the latest team expansion of the National Women's Soccer League, which will require a joint public-private investment in both Scott's Miracle Grow Field and a new training facility.

0:27

And although we're in the running on bullish, I think that we are at the top.

0:31

And that's why we are here today.

0:34

Over the last two or so weeks, uh, I have led deliberations between council, the administration, and the ownership group uh to discuss options of how to finance a deal that will give Columbus the best shot at receiving this team, and would also address concerns that I've heard from my colleagues and earn their support.

0:53

On Friday, the council president and I announced a deal that we believe addresses many of the questions and concerns that were raised by our council colleagues after the first proposal was announced.

1:05

The goal of this hearing is to have a conversation about the mechanics of that deal, the economic viability and benefits of this investment for the city, and the philosophies around investments such as these.

3:45

So let me be clear.

3:51

But I am here to say that I am supportive of this conversation and I'm supportive of this deal because I believe we have worked out a revised deal that is better than the first one presented to us.

4:01

We've spoken at length why Columbus is the right fit for an NWS team the NWLS team.

4:07

We need to do a better job of telling Columbus why an NWSL team is right for our city.

4:14

We are past the pom and circumstance of pitching ourselves to the NWSL.

4:19

The point of this hearing is to pitch it to the public and to hear their feedback.

4:23

I believe in the framework we're uh going to hear about today.

4:27

We I believe that it moves our city forward.

4:29

I believe that it's going to land us this NWSL team, which will be transformative for our city.

4:35

And my message is clear to residents.

4:38

If you don't care about soccer and won't go to the games, then no worries.

4:42

You won't be paying for this.

4:44

And once it is paid off, you will benefit from it, though, because the city will be able to spend the ongoing new revenue in perpetuity on things like homelessness, housing, and youth programming.

5:00

And I also believe you will benefit because of the spillover economic development impacts of having Cruise Stadium programmed all year round and the arena district alive and vibrant with activity, and if Columbus becoming this global soccer capital that we are becoming.

5:12

And if this plan doesn't perform the way we hoped, then the plan does include multiple ways that we as a city can recoup the investment and make sure we're not left holding the bag.

5:23

Not everyone will like this, and I get it, but I'm a believer in bringing people together and having tough and honest conversations and making a bad deal better, not just walking away from the table.

5:36

So we have a lot of women in in council chambers today, so let me also say this.

5:41

This is a big day for the women of Columbus, but also for the men who have wives and daughters and sisters who will feel supported.

5:50

What we know is that when young girls see success on the field by other women, that success can translate in the classroom, in their communities, but even more so for their future.

6:03

Now I'll just end with this, uh, which is gratitude for those who spent a lot of time and I hope that everybody uh felt that we approached these conversations with sincerity of trying to get the deal.

6:15

One of the things that um I see my friend here, Cassie Sistrunk, uh, when I first talked to her about the deal a month ago, she made this point to me, and I believed it.

6:24

She said, This might be Columbus's last big shot at getting an expansion team.

6:30

You don't want to let that go away.

6:33

And after I heard that from Cat from his cyst trunk, um, I had two philosophies to make a deal better and get this team here.

6:41

And I think that that's uh what we were able to do uh with this deal.

6:44

So thank you again, uh, Chair Bankston for your leadership and uh thank you for getting us here.

6:50

Thank you, Council President.

6:51

Any other opening remarks from my colleagues?

6:54

Oh, Castle Mr Marie.

6:55

Thank you very much, Chair Bankston, uh to my colleagues and all of you here today.

7:00

Um, you know, I'm excited at the prospect of bringing an uh in an NWSL team to Columbus.

7:07

Columbus could be a very strong home for women's professional soccer, and I understand why so many people are excited about what this can mean for young people, for families, and the future of sports in Columbus.

7:21

But support does not mean we stop asking questions.

7:24

And if the city is going to be involved, then we have a responsibility to make sure this is fair and balanced and responsible for the residents and taxpayers of Columbus.

7:33

That means being clear about the public return, serious about community benefits, and honest about how this investment would actually work.

7:43

So I'm excited at the work that's been done.

7:46

I do believe that the updated proposal moves us in a better direction.

7:50

But today is here for listening, and I'm here to learn from the presentations here from the community and make sure that Columbus moves forward.

7:58

We do it in a way that people can trust and communities can truly feel.

8:03

Thank you, Chair.

8:04

Send it back to you.

8:06

Thank you, Councilmember.

8:08

Uh seeing none, we'll just uh move right in again.

8:11

Want to uh thank all of my colleagues for engaging in the process uh this far.

8:16

Uh, and again, just really excited about uh this opportunity, uh the same way that we've invested in so many other uh men's sports in this community to have the opportunity that when the opportunity is arisen uh for us to support women's sports, that we should do it the same way uh unapologetically.

8:34

Uh so tonight with us in uh chambers to discuss the mechanics of the deal as well as its economic impact.

8:41

Uh, we have our director of uh development, Director Mike Stevens, as well as our city auditor Megan Kilgorder talk through some of the geeky financing pieces of this uh that me and her like to talk about behind the scenes.

8:53

Uh with that, I will turn it over to Director Stevens to walk us through uh this current revised uh deal that we are proposing.

9:01

Director.

9:03

Thank you, President Harden, Chair Bankston, members of council.

9:08

This proposal represents a strategic public-private partnership to best position Columbus in its bid for a national women's soccer league expansion franchise.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████████████████████████████████████52%
Youth Programs██████████11%
Fiscal Sustainability████████9%
Parks and Recreation████████9%
Community Engagement███████8%
Public Engagement███4%
Racial Equity██2%
Workforce Development██2%
Procedural██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Hearing on NWSL Expansion Proposal - April 6, 2026

This hearing, called by Council Chair Bankston, focused on a revised public-private partnership to secure an NWSL expansion franchise in Columbus. The revised deal includes a $25 million city investment (part of a $50 million total with Franklin County) for a new training facility at McCoy Park and improvements to Scotts Miracle-Gro Field, leveraging a $310 million private investment. Financing would be supported by increasing the admissions fee at the stadium from 5% to 7%, with the additional revenue dedicated to debt service. Over 30 years, the project is projected to generate $52 million in net fiscal impact to the city and create over 200 jobs. Council heard public testimony from 24 speakers, with 18 in support and 6 expressing concerns or opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Stephanie Hightower (Columbus Urban League) expressed strong support, urging a mindset of abundance and highlighting the deal's responsible structure.
  • Morgan Hughes (resident, former Save the Crew activist) supported the investment, noting his daughter plays at McCoy Park and he is willing to pay the increased admissions fee.
  • DJ Burns (community activist) strongly opposed, criticizing the deal as a gift to billionaire Jimmy Haslam, citing his political donations, and arguing the loss of McCoy Park as public green space harms an underserved neighborhood.
  • Rachel Winning (Hilltop resident) opposed, questioning how bonds can be issued without voter approval and funded by speculative ticket revenue, and arguing the $25 million could better serve human services and summer programs.
  • Paul Edgar (club soccer coach) supported, urging council to "just do it" for the girls and women of Columbus.
  • Jason Hall (CEO, Columbus Partnership) supported, emphasizing the economic development and brand value for attracting talent and investment.
  • Tanny Crane (Crane Group executive) supported, speaking as a mother of four daughters and urging investment in women's athletics.
  • Pastor Michael Young (City of Grace Church) supported but challenged council to ensure equity and follow-through on community benefits for black and brown communities.
  • Christine Troyer (Watch Women Win) supported, citing personal experiences attending NWSL events and the growing demand.
  • Liz Reed (Southwest Area Commission) opposed, advocating for the original McCoy Park plans for a therapeutic recreation park and lake, which she said are now jeopardized.
  • Maggie Oliphant (Whetstone High School student) supported, sharing her soccer experience and the lack of parity in Columbus City Schools' girls soccer teams.
  • Emily Kegg and Ashley Hegarty Smith (Nordic supporters group) supported but urged the ownership group to align with NWSL's LGBTQ+ advocacy values.
  • Glenn Tumala (resident) opposed, criticizing the process (meeting time, accessibility) and the choice of McCoy Park over alternatives like Cooper Stadium.
  • Whitney Harding (former sports reporter) supported, highlighting the impact of women's sports on girls' confidence.
  • Kelsey Gray (CCS educator) opposed, citing tax abatements reducing school funding and arguing the $25 million should be used for schools and community needs.
  • Corey O’Neill (small business owner) supported, sharing grassroots support from families and youth.
  • Roy Winslow (community activist) opposed the site selection, advocating for Cooper Stadium and asking for an alternate plan for the neighborhood.
  • Megan Lush (Columbus Fury captain) supported, speaking as an athlete and mother about the importance of women's sports.
  • Paula Corti (Department of Neighborhoods) supported, emphasizing the importance for immigrant and refugee families.
  • Bri Losei (Student Success Stores) supported, citing the Columbus Crew's community partnership and the need for similar role models for girls.
  • Lisa and Lindsay Rush (restaurant owners) supported, noting the economic benefits for small businesses and the inspiration for young athletes.
  • Derek Bergman (Franklin resident) had concerns about the process and site, asking for a transparent evaluation of alternatives.

Discussion Items

  • Opening Remarks: Council President Harden and Councilmember Marie expressed support for the revised deal, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnership and the need to address taxpayer concerns.
  • Presentation by Director Mike Stevens: Outlined the $310 million private investment, $25 million city investment (plus $25 million from Franklin County), and the admissions fee increase from 5% to 7%. Projected $52 million net fiscal return over 30 years, $2 million annual ongoing revenue, and over 200 jobs.
  • Auditor Megan Kilgore: Explained the bond issuance, noting the city's AAA rating allows low-cost borrowing, and the emissions fee creates a self-supporting revenue stream similar to parking garages.
  • Councilmember Questions:
    • Councilmember Weish asked about economic impact methodology.
    • Councilmember Remy asked about protections if the team is not awarded or if operations change; Director Stevens confirmed the site reverts to city control.
    • Councilmember Green questioned the ticket tax underperformance risk, repayment terms, and whether the $12 million community investment is firm; Mary Shepro stated it is being finalized.
    • Councilmember Dorans clarified the financing structure, noting the development agreement will include safeguards and multiple revenue sources (e.g., NCA charges) to ensure the public is not on the hook.
  • Invited Guest Speakers:
    • Mary Shepro (Haslam Sports Group) highlighted the competitiveness of the NWSL bid, the need for a public-private partnership, and community benefits (youth access, prevailing wages, local hiring).
    • Linda Logan (Greater Columbus Sports Commission) emphasized Columbus's track record in hosting women's sports events and the brand value.
    • Cassie Sistrunk (U.S. Soccer Federation, speaking personally) urged support, calling it a "last big shot" for an expansion team and noting the global growth of women's soccer.

Key Outcomes

  • No vote was taken; council is continuing deliberations.
  • The proposal is expected to be considered for first and second readings by the April 20, 2026 council agenda.
  • Council Chair Bankston committed to working with councilmembers on concerns, including exploring alternate sites for McCoy Park programming and ensuring community benefits reach underserved areas.
  • The public was encouraged to submit written testimony and contact council offices.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you all for joining us. I will call this uh hearing to order. Um today's hearing on the proposed investment related to the expansion of the National Women's Soccer League. Uh Columbus is currently in the running uh to receive the latest team expansion of the National Women's Soccer League, which will require a joint public-private investment in both Scott's Miracle Grow Field and a new training facility. And although we're in the running on bullish, I think that we are at the top. And that's why we are here today. Over the last two or so weeks, uh, I have led deliberations between council, the administration, and the ownership group uh to discuss options of how to finance a deal that will give Columbus the best shot at receiving this team, and would also address concerns that I've heard from my colleagues and earn their support. On Friday, the council president and I announced a deal that we believe addresses many of the questions and concerns that were raised by our council colleagues after the first proposal was announced. The goal of this hearing is to have a conversation about the mechanics of that deal, the economic viability and benefits of this investment for the city, and the philosophies around investments such as these. So let me be clear. But I am here to say that I am supportive of this conversation and I'm supportive of this deal because I believe we have worked out a revised deal that is better than the first one presented to us. We've spoken at length why Columbus is the right fit for an NWS team the NWLS team. We need to do a better job of telling Columbus why an NWSL team is right for our city. We are past the pom and circumstance of pitching ourselves to the NWSL. The point of this hearing is to pitch it to the public and to hear their feedback. I believe in the framework we're uh going to hear about today. We I believe that it moves our city forward. I believe that it's going to land us this NWSL team, which will be transformative for our city. And my message is clear to residents. If you don't care about soccer and won't go to the games, then no worries. You won't be paying for this. And once it is paid off, you will benefit from it, though, because the city will be able to spend the ongoing new revenue in perpetuity on things like homelessness, housing, and youth programming. And I also believe you will benefit because of the spillover economic development impacts of having Cruise Stadium programmed all year round and the arena district alive and vibrant with activity, and if Columbus becoming this global soccer capital that we are becoming. And if this plan doesn't perform the way we hoped, then the plan does include multiple ways that we as a city can recoup the investment and make sure we're not left holding the bag. Not everyone will like this, and I get it, but I'm a believer in bringing people together and having tough and honest conversations and making a bad deal better, not just walking away from the table. So we have a lot of women in in council chambers today, so let me also say this. This is a big day for the women of Columbus, but also for the men who have wives and daughters and sisters who will feel supported. What we know is that when young girls see success on the field by other women, that success can translate in the classroom, in their communities, but even more so for their future. Now I'll just end with this, uh, which is gratitude for those who spent a lot of time and I hope that everybody uh felt that we approached these conversations with sincerity of trying to get the deal. One of the things that um I see my friend here, Cassie Sistrunk, uh, when I first talked to her about the deal a month ago, she made this point to me, and I believed it. She said, This might be Columbus's last big shot at getting an expansion team. You don't want to let that go away. And after I heard that from Cat from his cyst trunk, um, I had two philosophies to make a deal better and get this team here. And I think that that's uh what we were able to do uh with this deal. So thank you again, uh, Chair Bankston for your leadership and uh thank you for getting us here. Thank you, Council President. Any other opening remarks from my colleagues? Oh, Castle Mr Marie. Thank you very much, Chair Bankston, uh to my colleagues and all of you here today. Um, you know, I'm excited at the prospect of bringing an uh in an NWSL team to Columbus. Columbus could be a very strong home for women's professional soccer, and I understand why so many people are excited about what this can mean for young people, for families, and the future of sports in Columbus. But support does not mean we stop asking questions. And if the city is going to be involved, then we have a responsibility to make sure this is fair and balanced and responsible for the residents and taxpayers of Columbus. That means being clear about the public return, serious about community benefits, and honest about how this investment would actually work. So I'm excited at the work that's been done. I do believe that the updated proposal moves us in a better direction. But today is here for listening, and I'm here to learn from the presentations here from the community and make sure that Columbus moves forward. We do it in a way that people can trust and communities can truly feel. Thank you, Chair. Send it back to you.

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